"Verse of the Day" Bible Verses - June 2025
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Notes from Linda:

12/1/22: I just found out that most of the commentaries on the Bible Study Tools website are no longer free. That's where most of the quotes that appear on the "Verse of the Day" and "Previous Verses" pages of my website are taken from, so from now on, many of the "Source:" links that I provide on those pages will not contain the quoted text.

I was disgusted to read about the organization's new "PLUS" membership, and the only thing I can say about it is that the Bible has this warning in 1 Timothy 6:10 for the owner of Bible Study Tools: "For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows."
____________________

8/8/21:
Something is wrong with my Christian forum. Everything seems to be working normally (i.e., the articles are there, and the links work), but for some reason, the forum's format has changed slightly, and I am currently unable to post anything new.

I'm really sorry for the inconvenience. Hopefully, the problem is only temporay and will be fixed soon.
"Verse of the Day"
Bible Verses

"Verse of the Day"
Bible Verses

Previous Verses
June 2025
JUNE 29-30
John 8:44

Who is Your Spiritual Father--Satan or God?

To the Pharisees (members of a certain religious group) who claimed to be descendants of Abraham, and children of God, but who hated Jesus and wanted to kill him, Jesus said:

John 8:44: "Ye
[you] are of [from] your father the devil [because their tempers, dispositions, or spirits were similar to Satan's], and the lusts [desires or wishes] of your father [Satan] ye will [choose to] do [which means they were easily influenced by the devil and willingly did what he wanted them to do … or, as the saying goes, 'Like father, like son']. "He [Satan] was a murderer from the beginning [of creation--from the time, in the Garden of Eden, that he tempted Adam and Eve to sin and, as a result, brought physical and spiritual death to the entire human race, and also when he caused their son Cain to kill his brother, Abel], and [he (Satan)] abode not [or 'did not continue'] in the truth [after he rebelled against God and got thrown out of heaven--see note below*], because there is no truth in him. When he [Satan] speaketh [speaks, tells] a lie, he speaketh of his own [accord]: for he [the devil] is a liar, and the father of it [i.e., lying; in other words, Satan is the originator of all types of falsehood, or lies]."
_______________

Since all people on earth are descendants of Adam and Eve, we are all sinners at birth and--consequently--children of the devil. To become children of God, we must be "born again" according to the Bible.
____________________

Just as unbelievers and "professing Christians" (see note below**) will have some or many characteristics of their spiritual father (the devil), born-again Christians (with the help of the Holy Spirit) should exhibit many characteristics of our spiritual Father, Almighty God.

*  *  *  *  *

*As stated in the article entitled "How, why, and when did Satan fall from heaven?" by GotQuestions.org:

"… Satan fell
[from heaven] because of pride. He desired to be God, not to be a servant of God. Notice the many 'I will...' statements in Isaiah 14:12-15. Ezekiel 28:12-15 describes Satan as an exceedingly beautiful angel [named Lucifer]. Satan was likely the highest of all angels [because he held a position of great honor and power], the anointed cherub [or 'a high-ranking angel'], the most beautiful of all of God's creations, but he was not content in [or satisfied with] his position. Instead, Satan desired to be God, to essentially 'kick God off His throne' and take over the rule of the universe …"

(Source: https://www.gotquestions.org/Satan-fall.html)

*  *  *  *  *

**For the definition of professing Christian, read "What is a profession of faith?" Here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/profession-of-faith.html.
____________________

Please note that I don't agree with one part of that otherwise excellent article on professing Christians.

In the third paragraph, it says, "Our words don't save us. Salvation is by grace through the gift of faith (Ephesians 2:8-9), not by words we speak." However, in my opinion, and as stated in Romans 6:23, salvation (eternal life)--not faith--is the gift being referred to by those verses in Ephesians.

In addition, Romans 10:13 says, "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." In my case, I believed in God and agreed with everything that the Bible said about him, but I didn't actually get saved until I prayed and asked Jesus to come into my heart.

*  *  *  *  *

Here are additional GotQuestions.org articles that pertain to today's verse:

-- "Who were the Pharisees?"
    (
https://www.gotquestions.org/Pharisees.html)

-- "What is the significance of Jesus telling some of the Jewish religious leaders, 'You are of your father the devil (John 8:44)?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/you-are-of-your-father-the-devil.html)

-- "What does it mean that Satan was a murderer from the beginning (John 8:44)?"
    (
https://www.gotquestions.org/murderer-from-the-beginning.html)

-- "Who was Cain in the Bible?"
    (
https://www.gotquestions.org/Cain-in-the-Bible.html)

-- "What does it mean that there is no truth in the devil (John 8:44)?"
    (
https://www.gotquestions.org/no-truth-in-the-devil.html)

-- "What does it mean that Satan is the father of lies (John 8:44)?"
    (
https://www.gotquestions.org/father-of-lies.html)

-- "Are we all born sinners?"
    (
https://www.gotquestions.org/born-sinners.html)

-- "What does it mean to be a child of God?"
    (
https://www.gotquestions.org/be-a-child-of-God.html)

-- "What does it mean to be a born again Christian?"
    (
https://www.gotquestions.org/born-again.html)

-- "What does it mean to accept Jesus as your personal Savior?"
    (
https://www.gotquestions.org/personal-Savior.html)

JUNE 28
Galatians 6:10

Advice from the apostle Paul to the churches in Galatia (and to all Christians):

Galatians 6:10: "As we
[born-again Christians] have therefore opportunity [to do so], let us do good unto all men [and women and children], especially unto them who are of the household of faith [i.e., the Christian faith, meaning those who have trusted the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Savior]."
_______________

Although we can't get saved by good works (Ephesians 2:8-9, Galatians 2:16), salvation should make us want to do good works. This is explained very well in the following article: "What does it mean that good works are the result of salvation?" If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/good-works-salvation.html.

*  *  *  *  *

The following articles also relate to today's verse:

-- "What does it mean to do good unto all men in Galatians 6:10?"
    (
https://www.gotquestions.org/do-good-unto-all-men.html)

-- "What is the household of faith mentioned in Galatians 6:10?"
    (
https://www.gotquestions.org/household-of-faith.html)

JUNE 27
Genesis 18:20,21

God Destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah -- Do You Know Why?

Genesis 18:20,21: "And the LORD
[God, appearing in human form,] said [to Abraham], Because the cry of [the cities of] Sodom and Gomorrah is great [or 'loud'], and because their sin [primarily, homosexuality (see note below*), which involves sexual activity between two or more people of the same sex] is very grievous [serious]; I will go down [there] now, and see [confirm] whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me [in other words, God said he would go and see for himself if what he had heard was true; i.e., that the people in Sodom and Gomorrah and three surrounding cities were doing those immoral things]; and if not, I will know."
_______________

What God had heard about the sin of Sodom and Gomorrah was indeed true, and he ended up destroying those two cities (and two other nearby cities as well, since Zoar was spared) with fire and brimstone (sulfur) because of it.
____________________

The story of Sodom and Gomorrah is told in the 19th chapter of Genesis. If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+19&version=KJV.

*  *  *  *  *

*According to the Bible, the "sin of Sodom" was homosexuality, but it also included pride, apathy (i.e., a lack of feeling or emotion), complacency (self-satisfaction), idleness (laziness), and unconcern for underprivileged (or needy) people. This is explained in the following article: "What was the sin of Sodom and Gomorrah?" If you want to read it, click here: https://www.gotquestions.org/Sodom-and-Gomorrah.html.

JUNE 25-26
Galatians 6:7,8

Reaping What We Sow

In his letter to the Christian churches in Galatia, the apostle Paul wrote:

Galatians 6:7: "Be not deceived
[or 'don't be misled or fooled'] [by false teachers]; God is not mocked [meaning he won't be disrespected, dishonored, or ignored]: for whatsoever [whatever] a man [or woman or child] soweth [sows], that shall he [or she] also reap [as when a farmer scatters or plants seeds and harvests a crop; for example, when a farmer sows wheat, he reaps wheat, and when he sows barley, he reaps barley]."

Galatians 6:8: "For he
[or she] that soweth to his [or her] flesh [for example, people who regularly engage in smoking, drinking, gambling, drug abuse, adultery, fornication, pornography, overeating, etc., to satisfy a craving for pleasure] shall of [or 'from'] the flesh reap corruption [i.e., things like sorrow or distress, disease, and/or death]; but he [or she] that soweth to the Spirit [of God, referring to people who follow the leading of the Holy Spirit] shall of the [Holy] Spirit reap life everlasting [eternal life]."
_______________

In Galatians 6:8, sowing to the flesh means having a desire to fulfill the lusts of the flesh, and sowing to the Spirit means being guided by the Holy Spirit, which results in salvation and living the kind of life that exhibits [shows, reveals, demonstrates] the fruit of the Spirit. The Bible describes these two things as follows:

Sowing to the Flesh = Works of the Flesh

Galatians 5:19-20,21: "Now the works of the flesh are manifest
[obvious], which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness [lustfulness], Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance [disagreements], emulations [jealous competition], wrath [anger], strife [hostility], seditions [encouraging rebellion against the government], heresies [false teachings], Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings [wild celebrations, partying], and such like: of the which I [the apostle Paul] tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God [unless they are born again, or saved--see 1 Corinthians 6:9,10,11]."

Sowing to the Spirit = Salvation, and Fruit of the Spirit

Galatians 5:22-23 "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering
[patience], gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness [humility], temperance [self-control]: against such [things] there is no law."

*  *  *  *  *

GotQuestions.org articles related to today's verses are as follows:

-- "What does it mean that a man reaps what he sows (Galatians 6:7)?"
    (
https://www.gotquestions.org/a-man-reaps-what-he-sows.html)
____________________

-- "What are the works of the flesh?"
    (
https://www.gotquestions.org/works-of-the-flesh.html)
____________________

-- "What is the Fruit of the Holy Spirit?"
    (
https://www.gotquestions.org/fruit-of-the-Holy-Spirit.html)

-- "The Fruit of the Holy Spirit -- What is love?"
    (
https://www.gotquestions.org/fruit-Holy-Spirit-love.html)

-- "The Fruit of the Holy Spirit -- What is joy?"
    (
https://www.gotquestions.org/fruit-Holy-Spirit-joy.html)

-- "The Fruit of the Holy Spirit -- What is peace?"
    (
https://www.gotquestions.org/fruit-Holy-Spirit-peace.html)

-- "The Fruit of the Holy Spirit -- What is patience?"
    (
https://www.gotquestions.org/fruit-Holy-Spirit-patience.html)

-- "The Fruit of the Holy Spirit -- What is gentleness?"
    (
https://www.gotquestions.org/fruit-Holy-Spirit-gentleness.html)

-- "The Fruit of the Holy Spirit -- What is goodness?"
    (
https://www.gotquestions.org/fruit-Holy-Spirit-goodness.html)

-- "The Fruit of the Holy Spirit -- What is faithfulness?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/fruit-Holy-Spirit-faithfulness.html)

-- "The Fruit of the Holy Spirit -- What is kindness?"
    (
https://www.gotquestions.org/fruit-Holy-Spirit-kindness.html)

-- "The Fruit of the Holy Spirit -- What is self-control?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/fruit-Holy-Spirit-self-control.html)

JUNE 24
Isaiah 42:8

Speaking through his prophet Isaiah, God said:

Isaiah 42:8: "I am the LORD
[Yahweh, or Jehovah--the one true God]: that is my name [see note below*]: and my glory [honor] will I not give [or 'I will not give' or allow to be given] to another [person or 'god'], neither [will I allow] my praise to [be given to] graven images [or 'idols'--see note below**]."
_______________

*"What is the name of God?" is answered in the GotQuestions.org article by the same name and can be found here: https://www.gotquestions.org/name-of-God.html.

*  *  *  *  *

**For an in-depth explanation of the meaning of graven image, read the following article: "What is a graven image?" Here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/graven-image.html.

*  *  *  *  *

The GotQuestions.org article that relates to today's verse is entitled "Why will God not give His glory to another (Isaiah 42:8)?" If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/God-not-give-glory-to-another.html.

JUNE 23

Psalm 147:1: "Praise ye [you] the LORD: for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it [praising God] is pleasant [or 'is pleasing' or 'gives pleasure'] [to us and to him]; and praise is comely [becoming, proper, desirable]."
_______________

GotQuestions.org's article entitled "What are the psalms of praise?" gives background information on the book of Psalms. It tells what psalms are, who wrote them, and why they were written. The last two paragraphs of the article focus specifically on Psalm 147 and why God should be praised.

If you want to read the above-mentioned article, here's the link:
https://www.gotquestions.org/psalms-of-praise.html.

And if you want to read the 147th psalm, click here:: https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%20147&version=KJV.

JUNE 22

Proverbs 22:6: "Train up a child in the way [in which] he [or she] should go [in other words, get your child started on the right path in life--the way of righteousness and godliness]: and [hopefully,] when he [or she--the child] is old [or 'grows up'], he [or she] will not depart [turn aside, go away] from it [i.e., the right path]."
_______________

Salem Bible Church has an excellent commentary on today's verse. In it, comparing a child to a plant growing in a garden, Pastor Jim Delany says, "It is the responsibility of the parent to bend that little plant away from the wrong direction it WANTS to go in… and direct it towards the way it SHOULD go."
____________________

Just like many of the verses in Proverbs, today's verse is true in most cases, but there are exceptions. For parents whose children have wandered from the right path (or may do so in the future), Pastor Delany says:

"4. There is a good word of encouragement in this proverb
[Proverbs 22:6] to every parent of a prodigal [recklessly wasteful, wayward (stubborn and independent)] child.

"a. Good training in his
[or her--the child's] early years always gives the hope that one day… perhaps when down and out… he [or she] will recall [remember] that training, and it will kick in… and he [or she] will repent [change his (or her) mind] and return to the way that he [or she] should go.

"b. It might even be after the parents are
[dead and have] gone to glory [i.e., heaven].

"c. Good training early on
[in life] at the very least provides them [the children] with a MEANS to return [to the right path].
"• They
[the children] may not presently LIKE the way they should go, but at least they know where it is… how to find it.
"• Many young people are wandering about
[or 'around'] without a clue as to where the way they should go is to be found! Even if they wanted to get on the right path, they wouldn't know where to find it.
"• But the one
[or 'the child'] who received good training early on, WILL know where to find it.

"d. There is no need for shame in the heart of the parent who trained them
[the children] in the way they ought to go.

"e. But there IS shame to be had when the training was NOT provided! (Prov. 29:15 --
[']A child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.'"
____________________

If you want to read more of the commentary, click on
https://www.salembible.org/proverbs/, then scroll down to "22:6."

*  *  *  *  *

GotQuestions.org has an article for today's verse. It's called "Does the Bible promise that godly parenting will always result in godly children (Proverbs 22:6)?" and can be found here: https://www.gotquestions.org/godly-parenting.html.

JUNE 21
John 15:18

During the Last Supper with his disciples (or, in this case, his apostles) (see note below*), after Judas Iscariot left (see note below**), Jesus said:

John 15:18: "If the world
[referring to people who live in the world] hate you [my disciples], ye [you] know that it ['the world'] hated me [Jesus] before it hated you."
_______________

Jesus' statement also applies to all born-again Christians.

*  *  *  *  *

*"What is the meaning and importance of the Last Supper?" is answered by GotQuestions.org in their article by the same name. If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/Last-Supper.html.

*  *  *  *  *

*The Bible says that Judas betrayed Jesus (meaning he exposed Jesus to danger by treacherously giving information about him to strangers), with a kiss, for 30 pieces of silver. An article entitled "Who was Judas Iscariiot?" tells how and why Judas decided to do such a horrible thing. You can find it here: https://www.gotquestions.org/Judas-Iscariot.html.

JUNE 20

Proverbs 20:1: "Wine is a mocker [which means that it causes stupid behavior], strong drink is raging [because it causes bad behavior]: and whosoever is deceived thereby [i.e., whoever is fooled, led astray, or misled by intoxicating beverages] is not wise."
_______________

In other words, people who drink too much sometimes do foolish things, which causes others to ridicule or make fun of them. It can also cause tempers to flare (or make people angry), which usually results in arguments or fights, such as barroom brawls (i.e., noisy and violent fights that occur in bars or pubs).

*  *  *  *  *

Salem Bible Church has a good commentary on this verse, including an explanation of how wine was used in Bible times (i.e., as a water purifier, medicine, etc.) and examples of the stupid things that people do when they're drunk, such as the following (which can be found in paragraph 4e of the commentary):

"1. They
[drunk people] make a public fool of themselves.

"2. They dance on the coffee table with a lampshade on their head.

"3. If you dare them to jump off the roof they will.

"4. They can't walk
[in] a straight line.

"5. They can't make
[their words form] a complete sentence.

"6. They drool… they slur
[their words]… they fall on their face… they vomit [throw up]…"
____________________

The commentary also addresses the belief of many Christians today that it's all right to drink as long as you don't get drunk, and it explains why that isn't true.
____________________

The commentary ends by saying:

"e. Some folks come to a
[Bible] passage like this with their own preconceived [already formed] ideas about alcohol. They love to drink and therefore try to put a good spin on the bad things the Bible says about alcohol.

"f. Others come to a passage like this
[Proverbs 20:1] sincerely wanting to know God's will. If the heart is honest and open--God's Word [as recorded in the Bible] IS clear."
____________________

If you want to read the commentary, click on
https://www.salembible.org/proverbs-index/proverbs/, then scroll down to "20:1."

*  *  *  *  *

In his commentary on this verse, Matthew Henry wrote:

"… When the wine is in
[the body,] the [person's] wit [mental sharpness, ability to think quickly] is out [or gone], and then the man [or woman], according as his [or her] natural temper is, either mocks like a fool or rages like a madman …"

(Source: https://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/matthew-henry-complete/proverbs/20.html, "Verse 1")

*  *  *  *  *

The GotQuestions.org article about today's verse is entitled "What does it mean that wine is a mocker (Proverbs 20:1)?" If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/wine-is-a-mocker.html.

JUNE 19

In this verse, the writer of the psalm (probably King David) was praying to God.

Psalm 119:165: "Great peace
[calmness of mind] have they which love thy [your] law [dear Lord, referring to people who love and obey God's word, as recorded in the Bible]: and nothing [that happens, including trouble, disappointment, temptation, etc.] shall offend them [or 'cause them to be depressed or discouraged or to stumble and fall--into sin']."

JUNE 18

2 Corinthians 9:7: "Every man [and woman and child] according as he [or she] purposeth [purposes, intends] in his [or her] heart [or 'in whatever way he (or she) wants to give to others and to God (via church),' by volunteering time and talents, giving money, offering assistance, etc.], so let him [or her] give; not grudgingly [unwillingly], or of necessity [i.e., because he (or she) has to do it]: for [because] God loveth [loves] a cheerful giver."
_______________

Giving, both to others and to God, should be done voluntarily and cheerfully.

*  *  *  *  *

"How can I become a more cheerful giver?" is a GotQuestions.org article that relates to today's verse. It can be found here: https://www.gotquestions.org/cheerful-giver.html.

JUNE 17
Leviticus 20:6

God Hates Witchcraft

This was God's message to the children of Israel, delivered by Moses:

Leviticus 20:6: "And the soul
[person] that turneth [turns] [or 'who goes'] after such [people] as have familiar spirits [referring to mediums, fortune-tellers, and others who use their 'demon servants' (demons who obey and serve them) to predict the future and communicate with the dead], and [the 'soul' who goes chasing] after wizards [referring to people with magic powers, such as magicians and sorcerers], to go a whoring after them [i.e., to seek their knowledge, advice, or help], I [God] will even set my face against that soul [meaning he will actively oppose that person (the one who is committing 'spiritual adultery' by consulting with Satan's followers)], and will cut him [or her] off [or separate him (or her)] from among his [or her] people [perhaps by causing the person to die prematurely or become an outcast]."
_______________

God hates all forms of witchcraft. This is his warning to everyone (not just the Israelites) to stay away from people involved in it.

JUNE 15-16

Proverbs 23:24: "The father of the righteous [morally good] [child] shall greatly rejoice: and he [the man] that begetteth [begets, or becomes the father of] a wise child shall have joy [because] of him [or her]."
_______________

In his commentary on the above verse, Pastor Jim Delany of Salem Bible Church says, "The character and lifestyle of the children affects the joy of the father."
____________________

He goes on to explain that:

"4. The character of the child (righteous and wise) could have two different applications -- earthly and spiritual.

"a. In the earthly realm
[or kingdom]
"• Parents can instill [gradually establish] in [the minds of] their children many of the qualities emphasized in the Bible and in Proverbs in particular.
"• This would include a strong work ethic
[i.e., a person's values, attitudes, and behaviors related to work], being diligent [conscientious], doing one's best, saving and not wasting money, good use of one's time, the importance of learning, the importance of obeying the law of the land, careful use of one's tongue [in other words, thinking before your speak], being a good citizen, being a good neighbor, honesty, integrity [i.e., having high moral standards], etc.
"• Even an unsaved
[or non-Christian] son can be wise--at least in the ways of the world. And in that realm too, wisdom exceeds [surpasses] folly [foolishness, lack of good sense]
"• An unsaved son can also be 'righteous' before the law -- blameless before the Law, as
[King] Saul was before his conversion [meaning before he became a Christian].
"» An unsaved son can make RIGHT decisions.
"» He can do that which is right before the law = a law abiding citizen.
"» He can be right in that he is moral and of high integrity.
"» There are lots of unsaved people who are moral and do that which is right--at least before the eyes and law of man
[or 'mankind'].
"• A father who has instilled these good virtues into his children can have JOY as a result--if the son demonstrates these qualities in his life …
"• On an earthly level, a father can have a certain amount of joy in his children, even if they don't get saved.
"• At least they
[or 'these sons'] learned something… at least they learned to be wise in an earthly sense.

"b. In the spiritual realm
"• The principles we have seen in Proverbs 23:24 (though most were given to be applied in the earthly sense), also have great spiritual application.
"• If the child applies these principles of wisdom and righteousness to entering into a relationship with God by faith, then he has elevated
[raised] these principles to a whole new level.
"• And he has elevated the JOY of a godly father to a whole new level.
"• A father whose son listens and obeys and demonstrates wisdom in earthly things AND applies it to his relationship to God will have even GREATER joy! …"
____________________

The above quote was taken from Pastor Delany's Bible study on Chapter 23 of Proverbs, verses 24-28, which can be found by clicking on
https://www.salembible.org/proverbs/, then scrolling down to "23:24-28."

*  *  *  *  *

I want to wish a
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY
to all of the wonderful dads
around the world.

JUNE 7-14
2 Samuel 11:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27
2 Samuel 12:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, ,6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

Consequences of Adultery: The Story of David and Bathsheba

2 Samuel 11:1: "And it came to pass, after the year was expired
[or 'had ended'], at the time when kings go forth to battle, that [King] David sent Joab [commander of the king's armies], and his [David's] servants with him, and all [of the mighty men of] Israel [see note below*]; and they destroyed the children [descendants] of Ammon [i.e., the Ammonites], and besieged Rabbah [meaning they surrounded the city with armed forces]. But David tarried still [or 'stayed' or 'remained'] at Jerusalem."

2 Samuel 11:2,3: "And it came to pass in an eveningtide
[or 'one afternoon'], that David arose from off his bed [or 'got up'], and walked upon the [flat] roof of the king's house: and from the roof he saw a woman washing herself; and the woman was very beautiful to look upon. And David sent [a messenger] and inquired after [or 'asked about'] the woman. And one [person] said, Is not this Bath-sheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?"

2 Samuel 11:4-5: "And David sent messengers
[to invite Bathsheba to his apartment], and [they] took her [there]; and she came in unto him, and he lay [down and had sex] with her; for she was purified [cleansed] from her uncleanness [referring to her monthly menstrual period]: and she returned unto her house. And the woman conceived [got pregnant], and sent [a messenger] and told David, and said, I am with child."

2 Samuel 11:6-7: "And David sent
[a messenger] to Joab, saying, Send me [Bathsheba's husband,] Uriah the Hittite. And Joab sent Uriah to David. And when Uriah was come unto him, David demanded of him [meaning he asked Uriah] how Joab did [was doing], and how the people did [were doing], and how the war prospered [was going]."

2 Samuel 11: 8,9: "And David said to Uriah, Go down to thy
[your] house, and wash thy feet. And Uriah departed out of [or 'went away from' or 'left'] the king's house, and there followed [after] him a mess of meat [or 'some food' or 'a meal'] from the king. But Uriah slept at the door of the king's house with all the servants [bodyguards] of his lord [the king], and went not down to his house [or 'did not go home']."

2 Samuel 11:10,11: "And when they
[the servants] had told David, saying, Uriah went not down unto his house, David said unto Uriah, Camest thou not [did you not come] from thy journey? why then didst thou not [why did you not] go down unto thine [your] house? And Uriah said unto David, The ark [of the covenant, which was a chest with the stone tablets containing the Ten Commandments--see note below*], and [the mighty men of] Israel, and Judah, abide [stay] in tents; and my lord Joab, and the servants of my lord [the king], are encamped [living in camps] in the open fields; shall I then go into mine [my] house, to eat and to drink, and to lie [in bed and have sex] with my wife? as thou livest [or 'as you live'], and as thy soul liveth [or 'as your soul lives'], I will not do this thing [or, in other words, 'not on your life would I do such a thing']."

2 Samuel 11:12,13: "And David said to Uriah, Tarry
[stay] here to day also, and to morrow I will let thee [you] depart [leave]. So Uriah abode [remained] in Jerusalem that day, and the morrow [or 'the next day']. And when David had called him [Uriah], he did eat and drink before him; and he [David] made him [Uriah] drunk: and at even [or 'in the evening'] he [Uriah] went out [outside] to lie on his bed with the servants [bodyguards] of his lord [the king], but [he] went not [did not go] down to his house."

2 Samuel 11:14-15: "And it came to pass in the morning, that David wrote a letter to Joab, and sent it by the hand of Uriah
[who acted as a messenger]. And he [David] wrote in the letter, saying, Set ye [you] Uriah in the forefront of the hottest battle [which meant, 'put him on the front lines'], and retire ye from him [or 'leave him by himself'], [so] that he may be smitten [hit or struck by a sword, arrow, stone, etc.], and die."

2 Samuel 11:16-17: "And it came to pass, when Joab observed the city
[of Rammah], that he assigned Uriah unto a place where he knew that valiant [brave, courageous] men were. And the men of the city [of Rammah] went out, and fought with Joab: and there fell [or 'were killed'] some of the people of the servants of David; and Uriah the Hittite died also."

2 Samuel 11:18,19,20,21: "Then Joab sent
[a messenger] and told [King] David all the things concerning the war; And [Joab] charged [instructed] the messenger, saying, When thou hast [or 'when you have'] made an end of telling the matters of the war unto the king, And if so be that the king's wrath arise [or 'if the king gets angry'], and he say unto thee, Wherefore approached ye [or 'why did you go'] so nigh [near, or close] unto the city when ye did fight? knew ye not [or 'didn't you know'] that they would shoot [arrows and stones] from the wall? Who smote [killed] Abimelech the son of Jerubbesheth? did not a woman cast [throw] a piece of a millstone [a large stone used to grind grain] upon him from the wall, [so] that he died in Thebez? why went ye [or 'why did you go'] nigh [near] the wall? then say thou [or 'you should say'], Thy servant Uriah the Hittite is dead also."

2 Samuel 11:22,23,24: "So the messenger went, and came and shewed
[showed, told] David all that Joab had sent him for. And the messenger said unto David, Surely the men prevailed [were victorious] against us, and came out unto us into the field, and we were upon them even unto the entering of the gate. And the shooters shot from off the wall upon thy servants; and some of the king's servants be [or 'are'] dead, and thy servant Uriah the Hittite is dead also."

2 Samuel 11:25: "Then David said unto the messenger, Thus shalt thou say unto Joab, Let not this thing displease thee, for the sword devoureth
[kills] one [person] as well as another: make thy battle more strong against the city, and overthrow it: and encourage thou him [referring to Joab]."

2 Samuel 11:26-27: "And when the wife of Uriah
[i.e., Bathsheba] heard that Uriah her husband was dead, she mourned [grieved] for her husband. And when the mourning [period, or time of mourning--in this case, probably seven days] was past, David sent and fetched her [meaning he had her brought] to his house, and she became his wife, and bare him [or 'gave birth to'] a son. But the thing that David had done displeased the LORD."

2 Samuel 12:1-2,3: "And the LORD
[God] sent Nathan [a prophet] unto David. And he [Nathan] came unto him [David], and said unto him [or 'told him the following story:'], There were two men in one city; the one [man was] rich, and the other [was] poor. The rich man had exceeding many [or 'a large number of'] flocks [of sheep] and herds [of cattle]: But the poor man had nothing, save [except] one little ewe [female] lamb, which he had bought and nourished up [or fed]: and it [the lamb] grew up together [as a pet] with him, and with his children; it did eat of his own meat, and drank of his own cup, and lay in his bosom [i.e., he held it in his arms or let it lie on his chest], and was unto him as a daughter."

2 Samuel 12:4: "And there came a traveller unto the rich man, and he
[the rich man] spared to [or 'decided not to'] take [any of the animals] of his own flock and of his own herd, to dress [prepare for cooking] for the wayfaring man [the traveler] that was come unto him; but [he--the rich man] took the poor man's lamb, and dressed it [prepared it for cooking] for the man [the traveler] that was come to him."

2 Samuel 12:5-6: "And
[King] David's anger was greatly kindled [stirred up] against the [rich] man; and he [David] said to Nathan, As the LORD liveth [lives], the man that hath [has] done this thing shall surely die: And he [the rich man] shall restore the lamb fourfold [meaning he should give back to the owner four times as much as the lamb was worth], because he did this thing, and because he had no pity [sympathy, compassion]."

2 Samuel 12:7: "And Nathan said to David, Thou art
[you are] the man [that the story was about]. Thus saith [this says] the LORD God of Israel, I anointed thee [you, David] king over Israel, and I delivered [rescued] thee out of the hand of [King] Saul;"

2 Samuel 12:8: "And I
[God] gave thee thy master's [or 'King Saul's'] house, and thy master's [King Saul's] wives into thy bosom [or, in this case, possession], and [I] gave thee the house [kingdoms] of Israel and of Judah; and if that had been too little, I [God] would moreover [also] have given unto thee such and such things."

2 Samuel 12:9: "Wherefore hast thou
[or 'why have you'] despised [disregarded, rejected] the commandment of the LORD, to do evil in his [God's] sight? thou hast [you have] killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and hast [have] taken his wife to be thy wife, and hast slain him with the sword of the children of Ammon [or 'allowed him to be killed by the Ammonites']."

2 Samuel 12:10,11,12: "Now therefore the sword shall never depart from thine
[your] house; because thou hast despised me [God], and hast taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be thy wife. Thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will raise up evil against thee out of thine own house, and I will take thy wives before thine eyes, and give them unto thy neighbour [neighbor], and he shall lie with thy wives in the sight of this sun [meaning 'in broad daylight' or 'in public view']. For thou didst it [or 'you did it' (committed adultery with Bathsheba and murdered her husband)] secretly: but I will do this thing [give your (David's) wives to your neighbor] before all Israel, and before the sun."

2 Samuel 12:13,14: "And
[King] David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the LORD. And Nathan said unto David, The LORD also hath put away thy sin [meaning 'God has forgiven you, David']; thou shalt not die. Howbeit [nevertheless], because by this deed [or 'action' or 'thing that you have done'] thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the LORD to blaspheme [speak irreverently or disrespectfully about the one true God], the child also that is born unto thee shall surely die."

2 Samuel 12:15,16-17: "And Nathan departed unto
[or 'left and went to'] his house. And the LORD struck the child that Uriah's wife [i.e., Bathsheba] bare [gave birth to] unto David, and it was very sick. David therefore besought [begged] God [in prayer] for the [life of his] child; and David fasted [temporarily stopped eating], and went in, and lay all night upon the earth [or 'on the floor']. And the elders [older people] of his house arose [stood up], and went to him [David], to raise him up from the earth [or 'to get him to stand up']: but he would not [get up], neither did he eat bread [food] with them."

2 Samuel 12:18,19: "And it came to pass on the seventh day
[after its birth], that the child died. And the servants of David feared [were afraid] to tell him [David] that the child was dead: for they said, Behold, while the child was yet alive, we spake unto [or 'spoke to'] him [King David], and he would not hearken unto [or 'listen to'] our voice: how will he then vex [irritate] himself [i.e., they were wondering what he would do or how upset he would be], if we tell him that the child is dead? But when David saw that his servants whispered, David perceived [guessed or sensed] that the child was dead: therefore David said unto his servants, Is the child dead? And they said, He is dead."

2 Samuel 12:20: "Then David arose from the earth
[or 'got up'], and washed, and anointed himself, and changed his apparel [clothes], and came into the house of the LORD [meaning he went to the temple], and worshipped [God]: then he came to his own house; and when he required [or 'asked for it'], they set bread before him, and he did eat."

2 Samuel 12:21,22-23: "Then said his servants unto him
[King David], What thing is this that thou hast done? thou didst [you did] fast and weep for the child, while it was alive; but when the child was dead, thou didst rise and eat bread. And he [David] said, While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept [cried]: for [because] I said, Who can tell whether GOD will be gracious [merciful] to me, [so] that the child may live? But now [that] he [my son] is dead, wherefore [why] should I fast? can I bring him back [to life] again? I shall go to him [in heaven, when I die], but he shall not return to me."

2 Samuel 12:24: "And David comforted Bath-sheba his wife, and went in unto her, and lay
[down and had sex] with her: and she bare [gave birth to] a [second] son, and he [King David] called his [son's] name Solomon: and the LORD loved him [i.e., Solomon]."
_______________

*Here are links to articles that answer the following questions:

-- "Who were the mighty men of David?"
    (
https://www.gotquestions.org/mighty-men-David.html)

-- "What is the Ark of the Covenant?"
    (
https://www.gotquestions.org/ark-of-the-covenant.html)

*  *  *  *  *

GotQuestions.org has a good summary of this story in their article entitled "Who was Uriah the Hittite?" If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/Uriah-the-Hittite.html.
____________________

Another article related to today's verses is entitled "Why did God punish David and Bathsheba's innocent child with death?" If you want to read it, here's the link:
https://www.gotquestions.org/David-Bathsheba-child.html.

JUNE 6
Psalm 119:105

This was a prayer to God, most likely from King David:

Psalm 119:105: "Thy
[your] word [dear Lord, referring to the Bible, which contains the written word of God] is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path [to guide my way, prevent me from being led astray (or away from what is proper and desirable), and keep me safe]."
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What the Bible did for the writer of this psalm, it can also do for us.

JUNE 5
Mark 10:46,47,48,49,50,51,52

A Miraculous Event: Jesus Heals a Blind Man (Bartimaeus)

Mark 10:46: "And they
[Jesus and his disciples] came to Jericho: and as he [Jesus] went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people [i.e., a large crowd], blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side [or 'on the side of the road,'] begging."

Mark 10:47-48: "And when he
[Bartimaeus] heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth [who was passing by], he began to cry out [or shout], and [because he believed that Jesus was the Mesiah] say, Jesus, thou [you] son of David [since Jesus was a descendant of King David], have mercy on me. And many [people] charged [told] him [Bartimaeus] that he should hold his peace [or 'be quiet']: but he cried the more a great deal [meaning he shouted even louder], Thou son of David, have mercy on me."

Mark 10:49-50: "And Jesus stood still, and commanded him
[Bartimaeus] to be called. And they [some of the people, probably Jesus' disciples] call the blind man, saying unto him, Be of good comfort [or 'cheer up'], rise [get up]; he [Jesus] calleth [is calling] thee [you]. And he [the blind man], casting away his garment [or 'throwing off his loose outer clothing or covering, such as a cape, coat, or blanket'], rose [stood up], and came to Jesus."

Mark 10:51: "And Jesus answered and said unto him
[the blind man], What wilt thou that I should do unto thee [or 'what would you have me do for you']?  The blind man [Bartimaeus] said unto him [Jesus], Lord, [I'm hoping] that I might receive my sight."

Mark 10:52: "And Jesus said unto him
[the blind man], Go thy [your] way; thy faith hath made thee whole [or 'your faith has made you whole,' or 'your faith has healed you, spiritually and physically,' meaning Bartimaeus' faith in Jesus had saved him and restored his sight]. And immediately he [Bartimaeus] received his sight, and followed Jesus in the way [to Jerusalem]."
_______________

Concerning the phrase thy faith hath made thee whole in Mark 10:52, Barton Johnson, author of the "People's New Testament" Bible commentary, wrote:

"Bartimæus' faith was shown, (1) by his going to Jesus; (2) by his belief that Jesus was the Messiah; (3) by persevering
[continuing his course of action] against opposition [resistance]; (4) by casting away all that hindered [or by removing everything that stood in the way of his desired goal or outcome]; (5) by obeying Jesus when he was called; (6) by following and praising him [Jesus] after he was cured [healed]."

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/pnt/mark-10.html, "Verse 52")

*  *  *  *  *

The GotQuestions.org article related to these verses is entitled "What is the story of blind Bartimaeus?" If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/blind-Bartimaeus.html.

JUNE 4
Jeremiah 17:9,10

We Can't Fool God!

Jeremiah 17:9: "The heart
[or mind, which is the source of our thoughts and actions, emotions, desires, etc.] is deceitful [dishonest, untrustworthy, misleading] above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? [Answer: Nobody but God.]"

Jeremiah 17:10: "I the LORD search
[examine] the heart, I try the reins [or 'test the people'], even to give [rewards or punishment to] every man [and woman and child] according to his [or her] ways, and according to the fruit [results] of his [or her] doings [actions]."
_______________

In other words, God knows our hearts (our true character) and he judges us--and will reward, discipline, correct, and/or punish us--according to everything that we think, say, and do during the course of our lives on earth.

*  *  *  *  *

The Bible says that no one is able to meet God's standards of perfection:

-- Romans 3:10: "As it is written
[in the Bible], There is none righteous, no, not one:"

-- Romans 3:23: "For all
[people] have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;"

Consequently, whether we are morally "good" or "bad" in human terms, we are all sinners in God's eyes.

*  *  *  *  *

According to the Bible, unsaved people must pay (be punished) for their own sins, which means that when they die, they'll end up in hell and the lake of fire:

-- Revelation 20:12,13,14: "And I
[the apostle John, in a heavenly vision] saw the dead [people], small and great [including those who are young and old, rich and poor, sick and well, happy and sad, good and bad, etc.], stand before God [on judgment day]; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead [people] were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works [or deeds, or things that they did]. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they [the people who had been in the sea and death and hell] were judged every man [and woman and child] according to their works. And death and hell were cast [thrown] into the lake of fire. This is the second death."

-- Revelation 21:8: "But the fearful
[people], and [the] unbelieving [i.e., unsaved people, non-Christians], and the abominable [wicked people], and murderers, and whoremongers [people who associate with prostitutes], and sorcerers [people with magic powers], and idolaters [people who worship idols, which means worshiping anyone or anything but the one true God)], and all [habitual] liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth [burns] with fire and brimstone [sulfur]: which is the second death."

-- Revelation 20:15: "And whosoever
[whoever--referring to everyone whose name] was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire."

*  *  *  *  *

Jesus has already paid for the sins of all born-again Christians, so after salvation, we may occasionally need to be disciplined or corrected by God, but we'll never be sent to hell or the lake of fire. This is explained in the article entitled "Does God punish us when we sin?" If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/God-punish-sin.html.

*  *  *  *  *

If you want to be saved (from hell) and go to heaven when you die, you'll learn what you need to do by reading one or more of the tracts listed in the "Printable Gospel Tracts" section of my website. Here's a direct link to that page: https://www.mansioninheaven.com/PrintableGospelTracts.html.

JUNE 3
1 Corinthians 13:12

In a letter to the church at Corinth, the apostle Paul wrote:

1 Corinthians 13:12: "For now
[while we are here on earth,] we [Christians] see through a glass [like a foggy mirror or frosted window], darkly [imperfectly]; but then [in heaven, or when we get to heaven,] [we'll see clearly (meaning our understanding will be complete) because we'll be] face to face [with God, and with everything and everyone who is there]: now I [Paul] know in part [or 'now I have partial knowledge and understanding of all things']; but then [when I get to heaven] shall I know [or 'I shall know'] [people and things personally, meaning he would  have a personal knowledge of them,] even as also [or 'just as'] I am [or will be] known [personally to others and to God]."
_______________

In today's verse, Paul was explaining to Christians the difference between earthly and heavenly knowledge and understanding.

*  *  *  *  *

Regarding 1 Corinthians 13:12, Albert Barnes wrote:

"… But then shall I know - My knowledge
[in heaven] shall be clear and distinct [sharp]. I shall have a clear view of those objects which are now so indistinct and obscure [unclear, unknown]. I shall be in the presence of those objects about which I now inquire [or 'ask' or 'seek information about']; I shall 'see' them; I shall have a clear acquaintance with the divine [or 'with God's] perfections, plans, and character. This does not mean that he [Paul] would know 'everything' … but that in regard to those points of inquiry in which he was then interested, he would have a view that would be distinct and clear - a view that would be clear, arising from the fact that he would be present with them, and permitted to see them, instead of surveying [observing, viewing] them at a distance, and by imperfect mediums [or 'faulty or incomplete means'].

"Even as also I am known - In the same manner' …,  not 'to the same extent.' It does not mean that he
[Paul] would know God as clearly and as fully as God would know him; for his remark does not relate to the 'extent,' but to the 'manner' and the comparative 'clearness' of his knowledge. He would see things as he was now seen and would be seen there. It would be face to face. He would be in their presence. It would not be where he would be seen [by others] clearly and distinctly, and [he] himself [would be] compelled [forced] to look upon all objects confusedly and obscurely [vaguely], and through an imperfect medium. But he would he with them; would see them face to face; would see them without any medium; would see them 'in the same manner' as they would see him. Disembodied spirits [supernatural beings, such as angels], and the inhabitants of the heavenly world [e.g., born-again Christians who have died], have this knowledge; and when we are there, we shall see the truths, not at a distance and obscurely, but plainly and openly."

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/bnb/1-corinthians-13.html, "Verse 12")

*  *  *  *  *

Also commenting on the above verse, John Gill wrote:

"… but then shall I know, even as I am known; in the other world and state
[referring to heaven], he [Paul] signifies [indicates] that he should know God [the Father], [Jesus] Christ, angels, and glorified saints [i.e., born-again Christians who are in heaven], and all truths in a perfect manner, even as he was known of [by] God and Christ perfectly, allowing for the difference between the Creator [i.e., Jesus--see note below*] and the creature [human beings, people]; his [Paul's] sense is, that he should have as full and complete a knowledge of persons and things as he was capable of; it would be like, though not equal to, the knowledge which God had of him; and which would be attended with the strongest love and affection to the objects known, even as he was known and loved of [by] God …"

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/1-corinthians/13-12.html, "Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible")

*  *  *  *  *

*"Is Jesus the Creator?" is answered here: https://www.gotquestions.org/Jesus-the-Creator.html.

JUNE 1-2

2 Peter 3:9: "The Lord [Jesus Christ] is not slack concerning [or 'is not slow in fulfilling or keeping'] his promise [to return to earth--see note below*], as some men [and women and children] count [or 'understand the meaning of'] slackness; but [he--Jesus] is longsuffering to us-ward [or 'is patient toward us'], not willing that any[one] should perish [or, in this case, 'be tormented in hell'], but that all [people] should come to repentance [meaning he wants everyone (not just a chosen few, as is suggested by those who believe in predestination--see note below**) to change their minds, from 'rejection of Christ to faith in Christ,' and be born again, or saved (from hell), according to the Bible]."
_______________

End-time events predicted in the Bible are rapidly approaching. They include the following:

-- The first thing that will happen is the rapture (in which born-again Christians will be given spiritual bodies and be taken to heaven in the "twinkling of an eye" (i.e., as fast as you can blink your eye), per 1 Corinthians 15:52).

-- The rapture will be followed by a seven-year period called the Great Tribulation, when the Antichrist and false prophet will be in charge of the world. During the first half of the tribulation, there will be a false peace. Unfortunately, during the next three and a half years, many horrible events (similar to the plagues in Egypt during Moses' time) will take place on the earth. They are described in detail in the book of Revelation.

-- At the end of the tribulation, Jesus will return to earth with the armies of heaven to fight against the armies of the Antichrist at the Battle of Armageddon. Many of the Antichrist's followers will be killed, and the Antichrist and false prophet will be captured and thrown alive into the lake of fire. Soon after that, Satan will be chained up in the bottomless pit for 1,000 years.

-- During that thousand years (known as the Millennium), Jesus will rule and reign as King over all people who were saved during the tribulation, and all children who are born after the tribulation, and there will be peace on earth.

-- At the end of the Millennium, Satan will be freed from the bottomless pit. Then his followers will rebel against God and be killed. They'll all stand before God on judgment day and, along with Satan, will spend eternity in the lake of fire.

No one knows when the above events will take place. It's easy to be saved now, but someday it will be too late. Consequently, if you want to be saved (and know for sure that you'll be taken to heaven during the rapture, or to to heaven when you die--whichever comes first), you should do it now.

*  *  *  *  *

For a detailed explanation of God's simple plan of salvation, please read one or more of the gospel tracts on my website. You'll find them here: https://www.mansioninheaven.com/PrintableGospelTracts.html.

*  *  *  *  *

*Jesus' return to earth (referred to as "the second coming") is explained in the following articles:

-- "What is the Second Coming of Jesus Christ?"
    (
https://www.gotquestions.org/second-coming-Jesus-Christ.html)

-- "What is the difference between the Rapture and the Second Coming?"
    (https://www.gotquestions.org/difference-Rapture-Second-Coming.html)

-- "What is the end times timeline?"
    (
https://www.gotquestions.org/end-times-timeline.html)

-- "Surviving the end times - what do I need to know?"
    (
https://www.gotquestions.org/surviving-end-times.html)

*  *  *  *  *

Regarding 2 Peter 3:9, Dr. Thomas Constable, a Bible commentator, wrote:

"The fact that the fulfillment of the Lord Jesus' promise to return for His own
[people, referring to born-again Christians] (John 14:2-3) lingers [or 'is delayed'] does not mean that God has forgotten His promise, was lying, or cannot fulfill it. 'The Lord' seems to be a reference to Jesus Christ (cf. 2 Peter 3:15). It means that He is waiting to fulfill it [his promise] so people will have time to repent. Unbelievers left on the earth will be able to repent after the Rapture, but it is better for them if they do so before that event. Multitudes [large numbers of people] will be saved during the seven-year Tribulation … ,  though it will be harder for them to be saved then than it is now (2 Thessalonians 2:11).

"'In Greek the notion
[concept] of repentance is of a change of outlook, in Hebrew thought [it is] a turning [a]round and adopting a new way of life. The two [things] are not incompatible [meaning they are not incapable of existing together].' …"

(Source: https://www.studylight.org/commentary/2-peter/3-9.html, "Dr. Constable's Expository Notes")


*  *  *  *  *

**Many people are confused when the Bible refers to "the elect" because they think it means that, rather than allowing us to have free will, God chooses who will and won't be saved. This is known as predestination, or the doctrine of election. To help clear up the confusion, GotQuestions.org wrote the following article: "How can I know if I am one of the elect?" If you want to read it, here's the link: https://www.gotquestions.org/one-of-the-elect.html.